Speaking at the reception class graduating to Standard 1 at Takatokwane village on Saturday, Mongana said it is saddening that some children are denied the right to education by their parents or guardians at a young age.
He said his office has been experiencing a high number of school dropouts, which seem to be increasing due to different reasons and it cuts across from Standard 1 to Standard 7. Only 59 pupils were graduating to Standard 1 class at Takatokwane Primary School. “We are pleading with you parents to support your children in their education.
Teachers also need you so that your children’s studies could be enhanced. Children could do better with the help of their parents. There should be no children returned home simply because she/he does not have a uniform or shoes. Our [Education] ministry always finds a way of assisting such children. What is important is to ensure that the child is clean.
You can only wash those clothes that the child has so that she/he attends school. These children are the leaders of tomorrow. I plead with parents that we should join hands in raising these students together and we can manage if we cooperate,” he said.
Mongana said one of the things that contribute to children's dropout is that some parents bear the shame of what their children do without because they cannot afford to buy them school uniforms or shoes. He said some parents or guardians complain that their children do not have clothes that could make them presentable when coming to school hence they do not bother registering them for school.
Another factor according to him, is that some parents take those children to the fields (masimo) or cattle posts when they find employment and the reason behind this is because there would be no one to look after them when they are away. In addition, he said the number of children going to school is not high, which is a concern.
The principal education officer also pleaded with some companies to help in adopting the school so that some problems can be easily addressed. He said they have children who were attending school but now are taken to meraka or masimo by their parents. Mongana said the dropout rate is noted mostly during the middle of the year or when the ploughing season is about to start.
Another challenge that he said they do face is a shortage of classrooms for reception classes. He said Takatokwane Primary School only accommodates 59 pupils. He said their school roll shows that 100 pupils have registered for Standard 1, but only 59 of them managed to be groomed for Standard 1.
